My favorite part was exploring artistic talents beyond my own 3D background. I was particularly inspired by the talented graphic designer Aaron Draplin. His vibrant, bold branding was everywhere at his massive booth filled with merch. But even more memorable was hearing Draplin tell his story in one of the most inspirational talks of the conference.
Draplin's story underscored key themes like perseverance through early struggles, maintaining a unique creative vision, and staying humble and appreciative even after achieving success. His authenticity and passion were truly motivational. I'd highly recommend watching Draplin's talk and checking out some of my thoughts below.
Passion
Everything this dude does, he seems to do with passion.
He does the big things passionately. He dropped out of college at 19 just to snowboard with his buddies in Oregon. He quit a decent job to strike out on his own as an independent artist. He took a huge risk riding around the country in a van, selling books and merch out of Motel 6 parking lots instead of taking more lucrative design contracts.
He also does the little things passionately. He designs wedding invitations for his buddies. He handpaints yard sale signs for his mom. He honors essential workers for their bravery during the pandemic.
No matter what he takes on, big or small, he approaches it with spark and energy. I hope to go through the world with even half his passion and dedication. Draplin is an inspiration, doing everything wholeheartedly and authentically.
Quirky
This is one quirky fella. But he also seems so comfortable and confident in his own skin, and it's magnetic. He has fully embraced his unique side, and you can feel that whimsical authenticity in his work.
Draplin is comfortable being himself. His quirkiness and offbeat style shine through, both in his personality and his work. He doesn't seem to care about conforming. Draplin is confident and genuine, having found creative freedom in embracing his individuality. His comfort in his own skin allows his true self to radiate. It's this magnetic, whimsical spirit that makes Draplin and his work so appealing.
Focus on Craft
During his presentation, Draplin didn't speak negatively about anyone (well, maybe Maroon 5…but no designers were harmed in his talk!). He just seemed fixated on his craft, honing his skills, and making the most profound designs he could.
I’ve heard so many up and coming creatives complain about professors who didn’t teach them well or not going to the right school or having bad computers. They fixate on external factors they can't control rather than simply improving their craft.
Draplin shows that ignoring the surrounding noise helps you focus your full attention and energy on getting better. By not worrying about what others did or didn't do, he channeled everything into his passion for design. Draplin's example is inspirational - don't make excuses or blame others. Just keep perfecting your skills.
Ruthless to His Process
Usually when creatives mention their process, it focuses on the exercises and tricks you can implement to boost your productivity. Get 8 hours of sleep a night is the key to their success or just eating carrots will boost your creativity. But when Draplin referred to being ruthless to his process, he was talking about something completely differently
He was talking about gratitude. He thanked his family. He thanked the companies he worked with. He even thanked the stage crew backstage. As a fellow midwesterner, being resoundingly success while showing kindness along the way sounds pretty ideal to me.
Use Your Platform to Prop Peeps Up
Often when creatives discuss their process, it centers on exercises and tricks to boost productivity. Getting 8 hours of sleep or eating carrots becomes the key to success. But Draplin's "ruthless process" focused on something entirely different - gratitude.
He thanked his family, clients, and even the backstage crew. As a fellow Midwesterner, his resounding success paired with unwavering kindness resonated with me.
Rather than quick fixes, Draplin attributes his achievements to appreciating everyone who contributed along the way. He took time to be intentionally thankful, not seeking shortcuts. Draplin shows you can reach great heights while being grounded in humility and grace. His grateful process exemplifies the ideals that so many of us share - finding prosperity through hard work and character.
I Want To Do Merch Too!
Draplin's talk inspired me to fully embrace my role as a unique artist with a distinctive voice. I've struggled with this at times while working for major corporations like 20th Century Fox, Disney, and now Adobe. But his words pushed me to lean into my own creative quirkiness.
I finally acted on t-shirt designs I've been kicking around and launched my own merch line - 3D Artist Swag! Draplin gave me the motivation to put my work out there confidently.
His talk was a reminder to take pride in your artistic individuality. Don't be afraid to pursue your vision, even within big companies. Let your creative spirit shine through. Embrace what makes you different.
Click here to Get Your 3D Artist Swag in an array of colors!
I hope Draplin's inspirational message resonates with you like it did me. Feel empowered to unleash your quirky artistic talents. Run through the world with creative swagger, true to your unique voice. Check out my merch if you want to flaunt your inner artist!
3D News of the Week
SideFX Previewed Houdini 20 - 80.lv
Skydance Animation Leaves Apple for Netflix Pact - Hollywood Reporter
Transitioning from Animation/VFX to Tech: A guide - LinkedIn
Five reminders for providing design feedback - Tanner Christensen
Philippe Starck just made the Perrier bottle design even more iconic - Creative Bloq
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses actually make the future look cool - The Verge
Dedicated thread for Dall-E 3 screenshots of classic 3D modeling/animation apps that never existed - Twitter
Artist of the Week
This Suitcase Shader by Niki Marinov is insane.
3D Tutorials
3D Job Spreadsheet
Link to Google Doc With A TON of Jobs in Animation (not operated by me)
Michael Tanzillo is the Head of Technical Artists with the Substance 3D Growth team at Adobe. Previously, I was a Senior Artist on animated films at Blue Sky Studios/Disney with credits including three Ice Age movies, two Rios, Peanuts, Ferdinand, Spies in Disguise, and Epic.
In addition to his work as an artist, Michael is the Co-Author of the book Lighting for Animation: The Visual Art of Storytelling and the Co-Founder of The Academy of Animated Art, an online school that has helped hundreds of artists around the world begin careers in Animation, Visual Effects, and Digital Imaging.
www.michaeltanzillo.com
Free 3D Tutorials on the Michael Tanzillo YouTube Channel
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